Rolling Hills Prep Fall Classic: Final Five

Wilmington, Ca. — The Rolling Hills Prep Fall Classic was an eight-game event featuring many of the top programs that Southern California has to offer.

The marquee matchup was a showdown of two teams, Rancho Christian and Bishop Montgomery, which are sure to be competing for CIF Southern Section and State championships come February and March.

Rancho Christian came away with a hard-fought 55-52 victory behind Isaiah Mobley, Evan Mobley and Dominick Harris. One of the bigger upsets of the day came by way of a Riverside Notre Dame victory over perennial power Santa Ana Mater Dei. Anton Mozga paced the Titans with balanced contributions from Pierce Sterling, Dondre Bausley and Anthony Holland.

Here are the “Next Five” performers from Saturday’s action:

Jordan Montgomery, G, Rancho Christian

For Rancho Christian to reach its full potential this season, its guard play must be good and Montgomery is one the most important guys at that position for the Eagles. No matter how dominant the Mobley’s are, defenses can adjust to make their lives more difficult, especially if perimeter jumpers from their backcourt mates aren’t falling. Montgomery limited turnovers Saturday, made good basketball decisions with the ball in his hands and didn’t force any transition opportunities when they weren’t there.

Bosco was without all of its seniors Saturday, which includes three starters, but Lewis kept the Braves in striking distance of Harvard-Westlake. The 6-foot-2 guard is beginning to find his offensive identity of attacking the basket and finishing smoothly around length. Lewis also showed flashes of being able to give good minutes at the point guard spot if needed.

Dondre Bausley, G, Riverside Notre Dame

Bausley is one of the most under-appreciated players in all of Southern California high school basketball. He doesn’t do anything flashy to draw attention to himself, but if you focus on the ins’ and outs’ of the game, the 6-foot-3 guard does a lot of the little things to help his team win. He crashes the offensive and defensive glass, knocks down the open 3-pointer, but most importantly, he can guard 1-4 at the high school level.

Robert McRae, F, Fairfax

McRae is another “glue guy” who doesn’t get his fair shake when it comes to his impact on winning. The 6-foot-4 wing is one of the smartest perimeter defenders you’ll find at the high school level and is a fantastic rebounder for his size and position. McRae is the anchor and leader for this year’s Lions team and is willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.

Braelee Albert, F, Brentwood

Albert had 19 points and eight rebounds in a losing effort to Camarillo, but his activity on both ends of the floor galvanized a Brentwood run that helped it erase a 20-point deficit in the second half. Albert is one of the top rebounders in Southern California and showed an improved stroke and softer touch from 3-point range.